Best Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the oldest and the most sacred cities of Sri Lanka – the place where history and culture intermingle with spirituality and archaeological marvel. It was the heart of a great kingdom for more than one thousand years and now, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will provide the visitors with a memory trip to the past of the island. Nowadays, international visitors visit Anuradhapura not only to watch ruins, but to experience the heritage of kings, sages, and civilizations that made Sri Lanka what it is today.

You can be a history enthusiast, spiritual wanderer, cultural tourist, or just a person who loves visiting spectacular places. Anuradhapura is going to be the first place in your Sri Lanka itinerary list. The city is not like any other as there are sprawling monastic complexes, towering dagobas (stupas), serene old reservoirs and sacred Bodhi trees. This guide will also take you through the reasons why Anuradhapura is a good place to visit, the places that are worth visiting in Anuradhapura, the best time to visit and the most frequently asked questions by the travelers.

Ready to explore? And now we will plunge into this wonder of the past.

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Why Visit Anuradhapura?

Anuradhapura is not another destination on the Sri Lankan cultural triangle; it is a museum in its own right, with power of the sacred and the power of the historical miracle around every turn. It is worth visiting because of a few reasons:

A City of Ancient Majesty

Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka for more than 1000 years; approximately between the 4th century BCE and the 11th century CE. This was a long reign and it made it a seat of administration, religion, art and engineering. Complete reservoirs were created, huge dagobas were constructed, and the sacred shrines were created. A visit to Anuradhapura takes one back to the past.

Spiritual Significance

This is the city that is considered to be the most holy Buddhist pilgrimage in the world. It is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi which is a religious fig tree which grew as a cutting of the original Bodhi tree beneath which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. Buddhists worship it with utmost reverence and pilgrims come to visit this region all over Asia.

Architectural and Archaeological Grandeur

The archaeological marvels of that era can be seen in the ruins of Anuradhapura, massive dagobas and monastic centers, statues and ancient reservoirs. These structures still awe with the way they were constructed using minimal equipment, and still stand firm even after centuries.

Peaceful and Reflective Atmosphere

Anuradhapura is peaceful unlike some of the overcrowded historical sites in other places. The expansive open areas, forested ways, natural primitiveness, and morning singing in temples all make it a very soothing experience.

Cultural Continuity

The spiritual traditions are still powerful even though centuries have elapsed. Locals continue to pay tribute to shrines on flowers, monks take care of ceremonies and pilgrims practice ancient activities. This continuity brings out a living and breathing aspect to your visit.

Anuradhapura in short is a place you touch, not only you see, a place that does not only enrich your mind, but also your soul.

Best Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Historic stupas, holy statues and peaceful ponds are the magnificent landmarks of Anuradhapura that astonish by their size and importance. The following are the places you must see in the trip:

Sri Maha Bodhi

The Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most holy locations in the entire Buddhism and a sacred fig tree that is considered to have been planted on a sapling of the original Bodhi tree on which Siddhartha Gautama was enlightened in India. One of the oldest trees in the world with a historical authentication is this one as it was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.

Pilgrims come here all-year round to honor, pray and see the sacredness of the place. The place is filled with arcades of worshippers and offerings, and the very tree demands a feeling of awe. To a large number of visitors, it is an emotional, bordering on a mystic experience to be standing in front of the Sri Maha Bodwi.

Ruwanwelisaya

Ruwanwelisaya is one of the largest and most prominent stupas in the world that stands so high above the plains of Anuradhapura. Constructed by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, it is regarded as one of the heights of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and worship.

The sparkling white dome which is nearly symmetrical is a lasting symbol of faith and art. The pilgrims and visitors go round the stupa in reverence taking in the large stature of the stupa and the echoes of the old chants. The size and calmness of Ruwanwelisaya renders it an inevitable excursion on the cultural tour of Sri Lanka.

Jetavanaramaya

Jetavanaramaya is the best witness to the marvel and religious enthusiasm that was the greatest brick structure in the ancient world. This huge stupa was constructed by the king Mahasana in the 3rd century CE and it was a part of a greater complex of monasteries which was a hub of Buddhist education and worship.

The silhouette of the stupa is also a common sight even nowadays, and its environs provide evidence of complex bases and assembling places of the monastic society. When you walk between these old stones, you nearly have the sense of the greatness of its former glory. Jetavanaramaya is one of the most important structures architecturally and historically in Anuradhapura.

Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya is regarded as the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3 rd century BCE. It is the site where the relic of right collar bones of the Buddha was placed giving it a great religious importance.

Thuparamaya is a small stupa compared to Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, but is highly respected and tends to be not so busy, thus turning it into a relaxing place to meditate. Its masonry and peaceful environment are ideal in knowing the initial development of the architectural setting of the Buddhist in Sri Lanka.

Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple is located by the side of a calm tank (reservoir) and is renowned due to the impressive rock carvings and peaceful atmosphere of this location. The Isurumuniya lovers are part of the most famous sculptures in this country, two beautiful figures hewn into rock- the sculpture is considered the most graceful and mysterious.

• However, Isurumuniya is not merely an artistic site; it is a religious place that has ancient metals and meditation rooms as well as murals. It is also scenically endowed due to its position close to Tissa Wewa, and is best visited by people who appreciate the spirituality coupled with the artistic details.

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)

The twin bathing tanks, constructed in a very precise fashion of architecture, are perhaps the greatest tourist attraction of Anuradhapura at the Kuttam Pokuna, or the twin ponds. The symmetrical design and use of stone steps are attributed to the engineering genius of ancient Sri Lankans thought to have been used by the monastic communities in the bathing and the cleansing of rituals.

Going to the Kuttam Pokuna is like entering into the lost world where utility, craft and spirituality met. It is also popular with photographers as well as history lovers.

Samadhi Buddha Statue

The Samadhi Buddha Statue is often referred to as one of the most spiritually inspiring statues in Sri Lanka that shows the Buddha in great meditation (Dhyana Mudra). This statue is sculpted out of dolomite marble, which gives it a powerful and peaceful feel and invites one into its tranquil atmosphere.

The Sri Lankans and the foreign tourists visit here to pay homage, meditate or as a source of silent power that radiates out of the statue. The feeling of inner stillness does characterize people having spent some time at this location, an experience that is unparalleled in the area.

Tissa Wewa

Tissa Wewa was built in the 3rd century BCE, is a huge ancient reservoir that used to serve as a water supply to the inhabitants of the capital and irrigate agricultural lands around the metropolis. It is now a quiet strolling ground, a place to rest, and watch the sun set, over quiet waters.

Both locals and visitors love to walk along its embankments, feed the birds or just enjoy the panoramic view. It is a light reminder that the greatness of Anuradhapura was not restricted to religious marvels, but it was also a water palace.

Mihintale

Another prominent pilgrimage and historical place is Mihintale, a mere drive away, opined to be the place where Buddhism was initially introduced in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. It has hundreds of old steps, which will bring you to various shrines, stupas and meditation spaces with a view of beautiful landscapes.

It is a blend of rough good looks and religious heritage of the past, thus a popular morning outing or day meditative venture out of Anuradhapura. Every hiker, history fan and traveler in search of spiritualism will find something peculiar here.

Best Time To Visit Anuradhapura

The climate of Sri Lanka is tropical and the weather patterns in Anuradhapura are different which influences the most appropriate season in which to visit.

Dry Season (May to September)

The dry season has been regarded as the most appropriate period to visit archaeological sites, temples and outdoor ruins without being interrupted by heavy rains. The days are extremely hot and dry, and this is the ideal choice when you want to see sunny skies, enjoy the exploration, and not to be covered with muddy roads.

Shoulder Seasons (March–April & October)

These are the months of fair weather, not too wet but not very hot. It is the right moment to visit those tourists who do not want to see the crowded areas but still would enjoy decent weather conditions to see various sights.

Wet Season (November to February)

It is also a rainy season and can make the area cooler, but the showers or humidity can restrict the outdoor activities. Yet, even when you want to see green surroundings and do not mind the rain once in a while, it can be quite a worthwhile season to go in.

Tips for Visiting

• The morning hours are the most suitable time to see big temples and monuments – it is cooler and easier to take photographs.
• Wear decently, particularly when visiting religious places such as Sri Maha Bodhi, Thuparamaya and Isurumuniya Temple.
• Hydration and Sunscreen are a must- Anuradhapura is a hot place particularly during the day.
• When exploring a new country, it is always best to consider hiring a local guide to enjoy all the history and culture of every location.

Final Thoughts

Anuradhapura is not any other point on the map, it is a journey in time. Its sacred groves, its giant towers, its ancient reservoirs and carvings of stone are all a tale of devotion, creativity and cultural richness even to most of the world. The feeling of every footstep is eternal, whether you are rambling in the under-sun of the morning or making your way in the dusk among the waving banyan trees.

Anuradhapura is a place to visit in case you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka. It is the place which adds to your knowledge of history and spirituality, architecture and human perseverance. To stay updated on more travel guides, destinations tips and itinerary ideas in Sri Lanka and throughout the rest of the world, visit Wander Tropics where the real world explorers get real information.

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Frequently Asked Questions